Swein Forkbeard's Invasions and the Danish Conquest of England, 991-1017

From the battle of Maldon in 991 during the reign of Æethelred (the Unready), England was invaded by Scandinavian armies of increasing size and ferocity. Swein Forkbeard, king of Denmark, played a significant part in these invasions, which culminated in the domination of England and the long reign of his son, Cnut. This analysis of the invasions demonstrates beyond doubt that Æthelred's relationship with the Scandinavian armies was more complex and more interesting than has been supposed. It is equally apparent that Swein was a sophisticated politician who laid the foundations for a great northern empire. Factors leading to the invasions and conquest are investigated through the sources, the itineraries of the Scandinavian armies are plotted, the chronology of events analysed, and the economic background explained.